Rules for the Anderson Press

Paul Anderson with a 450lb Continental Clean & Press. This photo approximates the starting point of the "Anderson Press" event at the Old Time Strongman Nationals.

The first ever USAWA Old Time Strongman National Championship will be held at the JWC Training Hall on October 16, 2011. One of the new lifts to be contested will be the “Anderson Press”. Big Paul Anderson, arguably the strongest man that ever lived, used to do some pretty unique training lifts and often rigged things up to work on what he felt were his weaknesses. One lift he came up with was to hang a barbell from a tree with a chain and do partial lockout presses. This lift was the inspiration for the lift to be contested in October!

USAWA Rules for the Anderson Press

Press (with a standard Olympic bar) will be done from a dead stop position in the power rack from a height no greater than the height of the lifter when standing erect. Lifter may “bow” back to press the weight but must keep knees locked. The lift ends when the lifter is upright, arms locked, and demonstrates control of the weight. The lifter may press in an uneven manner and unlock unevenly. It is not a disqualification if the bar is lowered during the press, and afterwards the press resumes. The feet are not allowed to move. However, the lifter may raise the heels or toes during the press. Time limit of 1 minute is given for each attempt meaning the lifter may reset as many times as necessary to complete the lift. An official will give a command to end the lift.

You will notice the rules are a lot more relaxed compared to other USAWA lifts. The idea is that the lifter will be able to handle big weights and it will be pretty evident to any spectators if they get the lift or not. I know that when I’ve attended meets I have spent a lot of time explaining to spectators that are not familiar with lifting why a completed lift did not count. While this could still happen, it’s a lot less likely and I think that’s part of the appeal of the the “Old Time Strongman” concept. It’s more spectator friendly and forgiving to the lifter! As a result, this type of meet may attract a whole new type of strength athlete to the USAWA that will then try the traditional meets as well. At least that’s my opinion. Hope you can make it in October!